Durban Backpackers - On the Beach, Durban

Booked in April for the end of November, and had constant contact (myself and a colleague) with the owner as we were a large group (20). My dealings with him were cordial, but my colleague reported him to be rude and obnoxious at times. One month before, after not being able to contact the owner for 3 weeks, I get hold of him and find out that he has double booked and I have subsequently lost my booking. I tried to resolve this with him, which ended with him ignoring my emails and always "not being available" when I called. I now have less than 1 month to find alternate accommodation for 20 people for one of the busiest weekends of the year! If you are looking for professional service, do not look here!

The place is nicely located near the beach as the name of the place says. However, you cannot swim near the beach it's almost on. You do not even want to just lay down on the beach there and get a tan for example seeming it's packed with fisherman. It's about a 10-15 min drive to get to a part of the beach where you can swim. It's a clean place with some ok rooms for not too much. A word of warning though!! If you go out and arrive back late (the owner actually gives you tips regarding that so from that, one can make up he's used to people doing that and doesn't mind), please be advised that the owner doesn't let you in anymore (he's the only one who can open the gate)!!! I am speaking from personal experience. You can ring the bell as much as you like, press the horn of you car, scream, whistle, he is NOT going to show up. (I arrived back at the hostel at 12.45 btw) If you get yourself into a situation like that, you'll be forced to go look for another place to stay at that time of day....not an easy task I can tell you. But the good thing is that the owner knows in these cases he's wrong and the next morning when you arrive at the hostel again, if you ring the bell, the owner will open the gate for you this time, but he will hide... You can grab all your stuff (owner really is no where to be found, but he's there alright seeming he's the only one who can open the gate) and leave without paying. (seeming you pay per person, per night and so if the owner doesn't let you in, you cannot sleep there meaning you are not going to pay) I was not impressed AT ALL. Bottom line, might be a nice place for you IF you do not plan on going out in the evening.